Here you can keep up with the latest from Reading’s 1000+ voluntary organisations and other voluntary sector news from around the area.
Older Person’s Day – 1 October 2026, Broad Street Mall
23 September 2026
Reading’s Older Persons’ Day event takes place on Thursday 1 October, from 9.30am to 2pm in Broad Street Mall There will be over 30 stalls on the ground and first floor of the Broad Street Mall with specialist advice and support aimed at older people, their families and friends. Organisations you can speak to on the ...
Common Ground Award – capital funding – deadline 12 October 2026
23 September 2026
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a further round of the Common Ground Award to invest capital funding into Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations. The fund is targeted at organisations supporting social connections across and between different communities and will support the cost of constructing or renovating ...
The Branding Project 2027 from the University of Reading is open for applications
22 September 2026
Are you a new charity looking to establish a brand identity but lacking the resources to do so? Or are you a not-for-profit in need of a brand refresh or re-positioning and would welcome some input from students at The University of Reading? The Department of Typography at the University of Reading will be holding a ...
Police and Crime Commissioner Thames Valley Community Fund – closes on 28 September 2026
22 September 2026
The Community Fund supports voluntary and community groups that help to prevent crime and keep communities safe. Money for the Community Fund, which is jointly managed by the PCC and the Chief Constable, is created from the proceeds from the sale of items seized from criminals that cannot be returned to their rightful owners. The Fund is ...
RCLC celebrate 10 years of charity good governance accreditation!
16 September 2026
We are delighted to share that Reading Community Learning Centre have recently undergone an external review of their governance as a charity, achieving a continuation of their Safe and Sound Award and celebrating 10 years of continuously maintaining this award. What a fabulous achievement, demonstrating a significant commitment from the whole team. The revised Safe and ...
Attend the Community Awards – 29 October 2026
10 September 2026The Celebrating Community Awards is a special event dedicated to recognising, celebrating and appreciating the incredible individuals, volunteers, community groups and organisations who work tirelessly to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Every day, people across our communities give their time, skills, compassion and energy to support others. Some provide a listening ear, ...
Our summer intern’s research exploring career pathways into the voluntary sector
9 September 2026
This summer we were delighted to welcome Charlotte Simms, a second-year Politics and International Relations student at the University of Reading, as a research intern. Read Charlotte’s farewell message below – report to follow soon: As my internship with Reading Voluntary Action comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to say a huge ...
Faith Security Training now available
9 September 2026
The Home Office has launched Faith Security Training (FST) – a free scheme designed to help faith communities across England and Wales strengthen their security awareness and preparedness. Delivered by CDS Support, this training provides practical guidance to keep places of worship safe and resilient. Who should attend? Faith leaders, trustees, volunteers, and anyone responsible for, or ...
New recycling point for unused community equipment
9 September 2026
Working in partnership with Reading Borough Council, re3 and Millbrook Healthcare, a dedicated community equipment recycling point has now been established at the re3 Recycling Centre on Island Road, Reading RG2 0RP, where Reading residents can recycle unused health and social care equipment and help other people in our community. Residents should book a visit to ...
Building Connections training – free online short course for grassroots organisations
9 September 2026
Free online short course for grassroots organisations on the Tackling Loneliness Hub Dates: 22 and 24 September | 11:30am – 1pm How can we build connections and more resilient communities, leading to a more harmonious society? You may already have a pretty good idea, but this training intends to make you feel even more confident and emboldened to ...
Barbershop Uncut Stories
9 September 2026
What really happens when you go into the barbershop? The jokes. The banter. The debates. The advice nobody asked for. The conversations that only happen in the barber’s chair. But what happens when one of those conversations takes an unexpected turn? Men, masculinity, family, health and the conversations that we don’t always have, take centre stage in Reading ...
Help create a new community garden at Whitley Wood Community Centre
9 September 2026
We’re building a new community garden at Whitley Wood Community Centre, and we’re inviting members of the local community to come along and get involved. Ultimately, we hope to build a community garden which is both a space for centre users and local residents to come and relax, and also a space where local residents ...
Morrisons Foundation – apply for Connecting Communities Grant Funding – no fixed deadline
3 September 2026
Morrisons Foundations’s Connecting Communities grants offer up to £20,000 to charities who provide placed-based services to the entire community or specific groups. Funding is available to support capital projects that: Breathe new life into local spaces: Upgrade and revitalise buildings and outdoor areas. Bring people together: Reduce social isolation and foster a strong sense of belonging. Secure the future: ...
Queen Victoria Fund Reading (QVFR) – Grant Application Deadline 9 October 2026
3 September 2026
QVFR provides funds for public health initiatives that help combat health inequity. Organisations working within communities and neighbourhoods in the Reading Borough and Earley Town Council areas are eligible for funds to support their work. This might include perinatal inequalities, positive action on obesity and weight loss, alcohol misuse, children’s nourishment and child socialisation. QVFR will ...
Community Awards 2026 – nominations open until 24 September 2026
2 September 2026
To nominate an individual or community group in one of the categories below, please email admin@utulivu.co.uk or raveena@mojatu.com by 24 September 2026. The awards ceremony will take place on 29 October 2026 – full details here.
Reading’s annual canvass is underway – deadline 30 November 2026
2 September 2026
Find out more on the RBC website: Electoral Services Annual Canvass 2026
The Kings Award for Voluntary Service 2027
2 September 2026
Nominations for The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2027 have opened This is the highest award given to voluntary organisations across the UK and is the equivalent to the MBE. Nominated groups must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this Award. Each group must: be made up of three or more people be based in the UK, ...
Free employability support programme for neurodivergent 19-25 years olds in Reading
1 September 2026
Pathways to Potential is a new employability programme designed with neurodivergent young people, for neurodivergent young people. We believe that everyone has unique strengths, talents, and potential, and that finding the right career is about much more than simply getting a job. Through personalised support, practical workshops, supported work experience and one-to-one coaching, we help young people ...
Henry Smith Foundation – Maternity Equity Fund – deadline 14 October 2026
20 August 2026
The new Maternity Equity Fund is part of the Henry Smith Foundation Getting Started programme, which supports early intervention from conception up to and including birth, helping give babies and families the best start in life. Who is eligible to apply? Applications will be considered from charitable organisations registered in and working in the UK, including: Registered charities ...
Free taster DJ and Broadcasting Sessions for young people on 1 Sep
20 August 2026
Gold Dust Hub CIC are hosting free DJ and Broadcasting sessions this Summer, designed to give young people a hands-on, inspiring introduction to the worlds of basic DJing, Broadcasting, and Music Production. This program is a fantastic way for young people to discover their creative potential and gain real-world experience in a warm, safe, and supportive ...